Portland vs Salem: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Portland, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,839 | $101,874▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.20 | $48.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,768 | $66,449▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,528 | $87,909▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,199 | $104,079▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,900 | $124,575▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,580▲ | 160 |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Portland.
The salary gap between Portland and Salem is $12,035 (13.40%). Salem's median is +64.38% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $56,132,Salem spans $58,126. Salem has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Salem ($98,287 effective) pays 15.33% more than Portland ($85,219 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,580 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,874/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,575)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,287)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Portland grew 40.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 45.8% growth in Salem over the same period.
Portland, OR
$60,420 (2019) → $84,730 (2025)
Salem, OR
$65,900 (2019) → $96,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Portland or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Salem?
Should I relocate from Portland to Salem as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Portland vs Salem?
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Written by Jordan Lee, LMT
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in massage therapy. They specialize in sports massage. They work in a wellness center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.03% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov